Sir Francis Drake (Rod Taylor) is one of Queen Elizabeth I of England's (Irene Worth) leading commanders in its battles with longtime adversary Spain over the gold riches found in the New World. He is a privateer who has no problems about raiding those Spanish gold arsenals, as well as a military commander who plans and executes naval battles with the Spanish Armada. He is also a skilled diplomat who knows how to maneuver in courtly circles.
The film was mainly shot at the Titanus Appia Studios in Rome, but some scenes were filmed at the Bay of Naples.[3] While filming, Rod Taylor was dating Anita Ekberg at the time.[4]
Reception
According to MGM records, the film earned $1,250,000 in North America and $1,000,000 in other markets, earning it a profit of $293,000.[1]